Which factor is part of criterion-based progression?

• A. Pain levels during activity
• B. Time since injury
• C. Athlete's age
• D. Ambient temperature

Answer: (A)

Criterion-based progression relies on meeting specific functional and symptomatic targets to advance rehab rather than simply following a calendar. Pain levels during activity are a central criterion because they show how well the healing tissue tolerates load. If an athlete can perform an activity with minimal or no pain and without adverse signs, you can safely increase the challenge. If pain rises or worsens, that indicates the tissue isn’t ready, so progression is paused or scaled back. Time since injury, age, and ambient temperature aren’t used as progression triggers because they don’t reliably reflect tissue readiness or how the athlete is actually performing and tolerating loads.